Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Thursday evening when they square off against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's side head into this fixture having collected four points from their last two Premier League fixtures, albeit there being disappointment over only earning a share of the spoils versus Fulham on Sunday.

The North London outfit begin the latest matchday in seventh position in the Premier League table, five points adrift of second-placed Arsenal.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Bournemouth, who are on a high having hit four past Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Guglielmo Vicario

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

First-choice goalkeeper Vicario remarkably played for over an hour at the Etihad Stadium last month with a broken ankle, which he has since undergone surgery for, and Postecoglou has confirmed that the Italian faces months out of action.

Cristian Romero

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Toe

Possible return date: December 5 (vs. Fulham)

Romero is ever closer to coming back from a toe injury. Having missed out against Fulham, the Argentina international could be back in the squad for this contest.

Richarlison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: January 15 (vs. Arsenal)

Richarlison's hamstring problem is expected to render him unavailable until the early stages of January, potentially meaning that he could make his comeback in the next North London derby.

Micky van de Ven

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: December 19 (vs. Manchester United)

Unlike Richarlison, Micky van de Ven's hamstring problem may have completely healed before the end of 2024, but the Dutchman will not be back in action for approximately three more weeks.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Just after making a comeback from one hamstring problem, summer signing Odobert sustained an even more severe injury in the same area and will be out for the long-term after undergoing an operation.

Mikey Moore

Status: Out

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: December 12 (vs. Rangers)

Teenage sensation Moore has been laid low by a troublesome illness this month, and Postecoglou has conceded that it will be the middle of the month before the 17-year-old makes his return.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: December 5 (vs. Bournemouth)

Solanke had been due to feature against Fulham on Sunday, only for Postecoglou to send him home when it became apparent that he was suffering with an illness. However, the forward is likely to be contention to face his old club.

Archie Gray

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: December 5 (vs. Bournemouth)

Gray needed to be withdrawn shortly after his introduction on Sunday after sustaining what Postecoglou described as a dead leg. If the youngster is passed fit to feature on the South coast, he will be selected among the replacements.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Rodrigo Bentancur

Return date: December 12 (vs. Rangers)

Bentancur serves the third of his seven-match domestic suspension for an offensive comment that he made about Son Heung-min and South Koreans over the summer, but he will return for Spurs' next Europa League game.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly added Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to their list of possible replacements for the injured Guglielmo Vicario.

Ange Postecoglou's number one will be sidelined for a number of months after undergoing an operation to repair an ankle fracture he sustained in the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City last weekend.

Vicario revealed after his operation that he had astonishingly played through the pain of a broken bone for an hour at the Etihad, having sustained the serious injury early in the first half.

While the Italian works his way back from surgery, his regular deputy Fraser Forster will serve as Tottenham's stand-in number one for at least a few weeks, starting with Thursday's 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma.

Forster made a wonder save in the dying embers of that match before Roma levelled deep into stoppage time through Mats Hummels, and the Englishman will earn a rare Premier League start at home to Fulham on Sunday.

Tottenham 'set sights' on Angers goalkeeper

While Forster guards the posts in Vicario's absence, Alfie Whiteman and Brandon Austin will serve as his backups, but the pair only have one senior Tottenham appearance between them.

Furthermore, with Forster turning 37 next year and out of contract at the end of the season, Spurs could simply fast-track their search for a successor to the ex-England international in the January window.

According to The Sun, Angers number one Fofana is a player who has caught the eye of the Lilywhites, having made a name for himself domestically and internationally since leaving Le Havre on a free transfer in 2022.

The 6ft 4in goalkeeper kept 14 clean sheets in the 2023-24 Ligue 2 season to help Les Scoistes return to the top flight, although he only has one shut-out to his name from 12 outings this season.

However, Fofana was the Ivory Coast's starting goalkeeper throughout their successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year and has been his country's number one ever since making his debut in September 2023.

The 24-year-old is also only under contract with Angers until the end of next season, and despite his best efforts, Les Scoistes are currently on course for an immediate relegation back down to Ligue 2 as they sit second from bottom in the Ligue 1 table.

Angers may therefore have to consider letting Fofana leave in 2025 if the two parties do not agree fresh terms, although they will likely fight tooth and nail to stop their number one from departing midway through the season.

Which other goalkeepers could Spurs target in January?

Fofana is thought to be one of three young goalkeepers on Tottenham's radar for a January move, a list that also includes two EFL proteges in the shape of James Trafford (Burnley) and Anthony Patterson (Sunderland).

The report adds that a deal for Patterson would prove more feasible than Trafford, although Spurs should still not expect to land the former on the cheap as Sunderland push for Premier League promotion.

Tottenham Hotspur are apparently one of two Premier League sides hoping to prise talented teenage midfielder Valentin Atangana away from Reims in 2025.

The 19-year-old came through the academy system with Les Rouges et Blancs before being promoted to the first team in 2023, and he has now cemented himself as a regular fixture in midfield.

Atangana has started all 13 of Reims' Ligue 1 fixtures this season, helping his side mount a charge for the European places as they lie ninth in the top-flight table, only five points behind third-placed Marseille.

Atangana is yet to register a goal or assist in 35 senior appearances for his current club, but he has earned plaudits for his exceptional defensive work, largely excelling as a holding midfielder in the embryonic phase of his career.

However, Atangana made his mark on his first two appearances for France's Under-21s earlier this month, scoring on his debut against Italy before winning a penalty for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel to convert against Germany a few days later.

Spurs to rival Aston Villa for the new Kante?

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According to The Sun, Tottenham are one of a staggering 26 teams to have sent scouts to watch Atangana in action last weekend, where he played 66 minutes in a 2-0 Ligue 1 loss to Lens.

Premier League rivals Aston Villa are also rumoured to be keeping an eye on the 19-year-old's displays, and French media have already likened the Rouges et Blancs product to Premier League and Champions League winner N'Golo Kante.

Kante was an unknown quantity in France before being spotted by Leicester City, where he became an all-conquering Premier League midfielder and played a fundamental role in the Foxes' shock 2015-16 title win before joining Chelsea.

Atangana is still contracted to Reims for another three seasons, although the Ligue 1 outfit may find it difficult to turn down a lucrative financial package from a Premier League club.

Similarly, the midfielder could expect a significant pay rise if he accepted a Premier League contract, although there is every chance that he could remain at Reims on loan before being integrated into the squad of his new club.

Tottenham to repeat Pape Sarr trick with Atangana?

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Tottenham are no strangers to taking punts on talented Ligue 1 midfielders, having paid Metz just over £14m to sign Pape Sarr in 2021, although the Senegal international was loaned back to Les Grenats for one season.

Sarr has since become a vital player for Ange Postecoglou in the middle of the Tottenham park, registering six goals and six assists in 68 matches for Spurs in all competitions, including three efforts and two assists in 19 games this term.

The 22-year-old can likely look forward to regular starts in the Spurs engine room until the New Year, as fellow lynchpin Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-game domestic suspension for an offensive comment made about Son Heung-min and South Koreans.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida as a possible replacement for Pedro Porro.

The Spain international is Tottenham's undisputed first-choice right-back, having started each of the club's 12 Premier League matches this season.

However, Porro's impressive performances have led to speculation that he could be a potential target for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The European champions are keen to refresh the right side of defence, with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez both in their 30s.

Real Madrid's need to sign a new full-back has only been strengthened by Carvajal's long-term knee injury, highlighting the lack of real depth the club have in the right-back position.

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Spurs identify Geertruida as Porro replacement

While Real Madrid are looking to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold, there is also a possibility that they could make an effort to sign Porro.

The 25-year-old is also believed to be a potential target for Manchester United, leaving Spurs to look at potential replacements in case he does leave the club next summer.

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham have a 'concrete interest' in Geertruida after identifying the RB Leipzig defender as a possible successor to Porro.

Geertruida has a contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2029 after joining the German club from Feyenoord in the summer transfer window.

As a result, there is a belief that Geertruida's long-term deal would make any transfer fee 'prohibitive' for his potential suitors.

However, Geertruida's willingness to play in the Premier League could force Leipzig to consider offers in the region of €40m (£33m) to €45m (£37m).

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Who is Arne Slot's former star?

Geertruida had previously spent his entire senior career at Dutch side Feyenoord before he completed a move to Leipzig in the summer.

The full-back spent three years playing under current Liverpool boss Arne Slot, helping the club win three trophies during the 46-year-old's time in charge, including the 2022-23 Eredivisie title.

Geertruida left Feyenoord with 202 first-team appearances to his name, contributing to their attacking efforts with 24 goals and 11 assists.

Since making the move to the Red Bull Arena, the 24-year-old has made 14 competitive appearances for Marco Rose's side, chipping in with one goal and one assist.

Geertruida may be a regular fixture in the Leipzig side, but there is ultimately some uncertainty as to how long he will remain with the German club.

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Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 106

Spurs wins: 55

Draws: 31

Fulham wins: 20

Tottenham Hotspur unsurprisingly boast the most successes in this Lonon derby with 55 under their belts, while Fulham have only beaten the Lilywhites 20 times down the years, and another 31 encounters have ended all square - including their maiden meeting in the Southern League in 1903 and their most recent clash in 2024, a 1-1 stalemate in December.

One of those 20 Fulham victories came as recently as March 2024, though, as Marco Silva masterminded a terrific 3-0 triumph over Tottenham in the top flight, the second of three Cottagers wins during Ange Postecoglou's debut campaign.

That routine victory marked a second straight home win for the Cottagers over Spurs, who also fell to their foes' superiority on penalties in the second round of that year's EFL Cup, although they came up trumps 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October 2023.

Developing a penchant for home victories in this particular London derby, Tottenham have beaten Fulham four times in their last six matches at their headquarters, and they have not suffered defeat to the Cottagers on their own patch since a Dimitar Berbatov-inflicted 1-0 loss at White Hart Lane in 2013.

In fact, between December 2013 and January 2023, Tottenham won eight of their nine matches with Fulham in all competitions, the one minor aberration being a 1-1 top-flight stalemate at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January 2021.

Away from the Premier League, one of Fulham's most emphatic victories over Tottenham came in an FA Cup fourth-round tie in January 2011, where Mark Hughes led the Cottagers to a 4-0 thumping of Harry Redknapp's side.

Lilywhites legends also dominate the individual scoring records in this fixture, as Cliff Jones scored an unrivalled 13 goals in clashes between Spurs and Fulham, while Harry Kane and Jimmy Greaves both netted eight apiece.

Last 20 meetings

Dec 01, 2024: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Mar 16, 2024: Fulham 3-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 23, 2023: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Aug 29, 2023: Fulham 1-1 Spurs (EFL Cup Second Round)

Jan 23, 2023: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 03, 2022: Spurs 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Mar 04, 2021: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 13, 2021: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 20, 2019: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Aug 18, 2018: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 19, 2017: Fulham 0-3 Spurs (FA Cup Fifth Round)

Apr 19, 2014: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 04, 2013: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Mar 17, 2013: Spurs 0-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 01, 2012: Fulham 0-3 Spurs (Premier League)

May 13, 2012: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Nov 06, 2011: Fulham 1-3 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 30, 2011: Fulham 4-0 Spurs (FA Cup Fourth Round)

Jan 01, 2011: Spurs 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Oct 16, 2010: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings

Dec 01, 2024: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Mar 16, 2024: Fulham 3-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Oct 23, 2023: Spurs 2-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 23, 2023: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Sep 03, 2022: Spurs 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Mar 04, 2021: Fulham 0-1 Spurs (Premier League)

Jan 13, 2021: Spurs 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 20, 2019: Fulham 1-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Aug 18, 2018: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Apr 19, 2014: Spurs 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

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Both on the quest for redemption after respective home setbacks, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham meet in Sunday's Premier League London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's men conceded an injury-time equaliser in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma on Thursday, while the Cottagers were thrashed 4-1 by Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for the two clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. FULHAM

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended), Mikey Moore (illness), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Richarlison (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring)

Doubtful: Cristian Romero (toe)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son

FULHAM

Out: Harrison Reed (knee), Joachim Andersen (calf), Jorge Cuenca (unspecified)

Doubtful: Ryan Sessegnon (unspecified), Sander Berge (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match .

Bidding to arrest a two-game run without a home victory, Tottenham Hotspur host London rivals Fulham in Sunday's Premier League derby.

Ange Postecoglou's team succumbed to a late leveller in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Roma on Thursday, while their visitors were slain 4-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out in the top flight.

Match preview

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When stand-in goalkeeper Fraser Forster pulled off a last-minute wonder save in Thursday's showdown with Roma, the destiny of the Europa League points had seemingly been decided, with Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson's efforts edging Spurs ahead in a frenetic battle.

However, having been denied twice by the offside flag in the second half, Claudio Ranieri's team finally nabbed the leveller that their relentless pressure deserved, as veteran defender Mats Hummels crashed home at the back stick to conclude a chaotic North London night.

The 2-2 stalemate with Roma marked the second Tottenham game in a row where the net bulged four times, but all four of those efforts astonishingly went the Lilywhites' way at the Etihad last weekend, where Spurs slaughtered a capitulating Manchester City side to rise to sixth place in the Premier League standings.

Only three points separates Postecoglou's outfit from Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Chelsea before gameweek 12 gets underway, but the crushing of City represents the hosts' only triumph from their last four matches in all tournaments, a sequence that also includes consecutive defeats to Galatasaray and Ipswich Town.

Tottenham have at least found the back of the net in eight straight home games across all tournaments since September's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, one of seven losses that Postecoglou has overseen from 16 Premier League London derbies since taking the reins in 2023.

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Of all managers to have taken charge of at least 10 matches for Tottenham's men's team, Postecoglou is statistically the second-worst when it comes to Premier League London derbies - his 44% loss rate is only marginally better than Glenn Hoddle's 48% in capital clashes.

However, Spurs are hosting a Fulham side reeling from a Craven Cottage catastrophe at home to relegation-threatened Wolves, who fell behind to an early Alex Iwobi effort before going on the West London warpath through Matheus Cunha (2), Goncalo Guedes and Joao Gomes.

Having seen their three-game unbeaten run come to an end in truly disheartening circumstances, Fulham have fallen one point and three places below Tottenham in ninth spot, although Marco Silva's troops remain firmly in continental contention with nearly a third of the season complete.

The only pleasing aspect of last weekend's shellacking for Fulham was that Iwobi's strike made it 13 games in all competitions with at least one goal for the Cottagers, who have not been shut out by any team since losing to Manchester United in the opening Premier League contest of the season.

The Cottagers have also avoided defeat in each of their last seven Premier League London derbies and could go unbeaten in eight for the first time ever, most recently decimating Spurs 3-0 at Craven Cottage in March, but their last league success on Tottenham's turf arrived all the way back in March 2013.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Fulham Premier League form:

Team News

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Postecoglou delivered both good and bad news on toe victim Cristian Romero on Friday, confirming that the Argentine was on the cusp of coming back from his problem but is unlikely to be available for selection on Sunday.

The Argentine should therefore be one of seven absentees for Spurs alongside Mikey Moore (illness), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Richarlison (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring) and the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur, serving the second of his seven-game domestic punishment.

Bentancur completed 78 minutes of the Roma draw in midweek but should now relinquish his place in the engine room to Yves Bissouma, while Johnson's spot in the side is set to come under threat by the returning James Maddison.

As far as Fulham are concerned, they will be without one of their own midfield fulcrums until the New Year, as Harrison Reed underwent knee surgery just over a week ago and is expected to remain sidelined until early January.

Silva has also confirmed that Joachim Andersen will be out for "some games" with a calf strain, while Jorge Cuenca is missing too, but Sander Berge is seemingly OK

Issa Diop will deputise for Andersen in the heart of defence here, while Bernd Leno, Reiss Nelson, Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe can all expect hostile welcomes thanks to their Arsenal connections.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Fulham

Spurs arguably could have had few qualms had Roma returned to Italy with all three points on Thursday, as Postecoglou's depleted backline conceded numerous opportunities to Ranieri's side and should be breached at least once by a goal-happy Fulham.

Attack should therefore be the best form of defence for the Lilywhites on Sunday, and while it may not be pretty, we still back the hosts to capitalise on their visitors' recent rearguard vulnerabilities to emerge triumphant and end Fulham's unbeaten derby run.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Roma's Mats Hummels made up for conceding an early penalty by scoring the late equaliser in a 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League this evening.

An early penalty from Son Heung-min and a fine finish from Brennan Johnson either side of Evan Ndicka's equaliser saw Ange Postecoglou's side lead 2-1 at the interval, with Hummels not covering himself in glory for the two Spurs goals, and after many second half chances, it took until injury time for the game's next goal.

After passing up many chances throughout the 90 minutes, Roma eventually took control late on, and their pressure finally told, when Angelino's powerful low cross was diverted in from close range by the veteran German defender.

The Giallorossi once against showed promising signs under returning manager Claudio Ranieri, who was handed another tough test tonight after facing Serie A leaders Napoli at the weekend.

Spurs were guilty of wasting numerous chances throughout though, including a five-on-two counter attack which resulted in Johnson blazing over hopelessly from inside the area with the scoreline at 2-1.

Stephan El Shaarawy saw his excellent volley ruled out for offside just minutes after Ndicka's equaliser, before Manu Kone and Artem Dovbyk both had the ball in the Spurs net twice in the space of 60 seconds shortly after half time, but the Ukrainian strayed offside on both occasions.

Both sides struck the woodwork more than once in the second half, in a game that maintained a high attacking tempo throughout, after a breathless first half which also saw plenty of chances.

On face value, a draw appears a fair result, but that sees Spurs fall outside of the top eight for the first time this season, failing to capitalise on leaders Lazio's draw with Ludogorets earlier today.

TOTTENHAM VS. ROMA HIGHLIGHTS

Son penalty vs. Roma (5th min, Tottenham 1-0 Roma)

Hummels dives in recklessly on Pape Matar Sarr with a penalty eventually awarded by VAR and Son steps up to give Spurs an early lead from the spot, sending Mile Svilar the wrong way.

Ndicka goal vs. Tottenham (20th min, Tottenham 1-1 Roma)

Following some positive signs, Roma now have a well-deserved equaliser! Dybala's wonderful delivery from a wide set piece is flicked on inadvertently by the shoulder of Ndicka and in off the bar, and the Giallorossi are level in North London.

Johnson goal vs. Roma (34th min, Tottenham 2-1 Roma)

Hummels is one again at fault, affording too much time and space to Kulusevski on the left, and the Swede is able to cross for Johnson, whose sweeping finish beats Svilar low to his right-hand post.

Hummels goal vs. Roma (90th min, Tottenham 2-2 Roma)

After penning Spurs in their own half for what has seemed like an eternity, Roma have equalised again! The hosts fail to clear from a corner, and Alexis Saelemaekers finds left-back Angelino, who fizzes a dangerous ball across the area, allowing Hummels to tap in from close range to make amends for his first-half errors.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DEJAN KULUSEVSKI

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In an excellent night for attacking players on both sides, Roma's Dybala was superb but was sadly forced off at half time, meaning Kulusevski was the standout individual, creating the second goal and being a constant nuisance to the Roma backline, with effective forward passing and direct dribbling that left more than a few players tied up in knots.

TOTTENHAM VS. ROMA MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 50% - 50% Roma

Shots: Tottenham 24 - 18 Roma

Shots on target: Tottenham 9 - 7 Roma

Corners: Tottenham 7 - 6 Roma

Fouls: Tottenham 9 - 9 Roma

WHAT NEXT?

Spurs welcome Fulham to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in all-London affair, while Ranieri's baptism of fire continues, when they face high-flying Atalanta the following day in Serie A.

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Tottenham Hotspur return to action for the first time since their 4-0 demolition of Manchester City when they welcome Roma to North London on Thursday night in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou's side will look to recover from dropping their first points in the league phase away to Galatasaray last time out, while this will be Claudio Ranieri's first European game in charge since rejoining the club as manager for the third time earlier this month.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. ROMA

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness), Will Lankshear (suspended), Richarlison (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring)

Doubtful: Cristian Romero (foot)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Forster; Spence, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner

ROMA

Out: Eldor Shomurodov (muscle)

Doubtful: Mario Hermoso (muscle), Alexis Saelemaekers (ankle)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; Soule, Baldanzi, Cristante, Zalewski; Dybala, Dovbyk

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here. body check tags ::

Paulo Dybala could return to the Roma starting lineup when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League in North London on Thursday night.

The elegant attacker played just three minutes off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Napoli at the weekend, after missing the previous outing against Bologna, and the international break with Argentina.

When on the field, Dybala has been magical for the Giallorossi, contributing to 53 goals in just over two years at the club, but he is not on it enough, starting just seven of Roma's 17 games so far this season.

Dybala also has history with Spurs, as he was the man who scored the winning goal at Wembley when Juventus knocked them out of the Champions League in 2018 - the only previous time they have lost at home to an Italian club in UEFA competition.

The Argentine is one of a number of players who could start behind Artem Dovbyk in attack, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soule also in contention to start.

New manager Claudio Ranieri only made one change for his first game in charge, replacing Soule with Pellegrini, but there were big changes tactically, as he has reverted to a 4-4-2 system, binning Juric's 3-4-3 approach.

Nicola Zalewski, Tommaso Baldanzi and Enzo Le Fee have all seen their game time greatly reduced recently, so will hope that the new manager will give them an opportunity to prove themselves here.

Mats Hummels is another player who could return to the fold, because he was not seen for a month after scoring an own goal and conceding five against Fiorentina, but looked much more competent as a second-half substitute against Napoli on Sunday.

Mario Hermoso could also return in defence soon, with Alexis Saelemaekers making good progress in his recovery from an ankle injury too, but Eldor Shomurodov will not be available until next month.

Roma possible starting lineup:

Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; Soule, Baldanzi, Cristante, Zalewski; Dybala, Dovbyk